Just recently my wife and I went to Cagayan de Oro to enjoy Horseback Riding. After arriving from the port of Cagayan de Oro, we rode a taxi going to SM CDO located at Upper Carmen. In front of SM CDO is the Horseback Riding Area where we met the attendants who will help us learn the basics Horseback Riding.
These are the different prices for the horseback riding:
1. P10 – 1 round
2. P20 – 3 rounds
3. P25 – going to Arena
4. P150 – going to Manresa farm
Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding Prices
Lisa chose option number 1; I opted for the 3 rounds. At first, we were intimidated by the horse because it makes some “horsy” sounds which could be telling us not to hit him too hard. I rode a Mare (a female horse) while Lisa rode a Stallion (a male horse).
Mark & Lisa on the Horses
There was a short orientation on how to drive the horses.
To make the horse walk or run simply hit his back with the leather/nylon or hit his stomach with your leg. The harder you hit, the faster he walks or runs. To turn left, just pull the left leather on his left side so his head goes left telling him that you want to go to that direction. To turn right, pull his head going to the right direction. To make him stop, pull his head upwards.
Lisa driving the horse
Lisa was first to drive his Mare, the attendant was there to guide so Lisa won’t fall. I was next and I was really enjoying my ride. I finished my 3 rounds with great satisfaction and that for the first time in my whole life, I’ve tried horseback riding.
Mark chatting with guide
Mark enjoying the ride
It’s a pity that horses were given such punishments. It’s their life to be given these signals for them to work. You can’t simply tell horses to walk, run, turn or stop. At the end of the day, horses are being cared and maintained so they won’t resign from the job.
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About the author
Mark Anthony Maranga is an Educator-Parent to his 3 Homeschooling Kids. He sells Ice Cream and Balloons in Mandaue City, Cebu. Exploring the Philippines tourist attractions together with his family is his passion; they are learning without borders.
Hi, may I know where exactly is this farm? Is this still open now. We went there, in front of SM CDO but the gate was closed and seem nobody was there. I really would like to try horse back riding.
It is fronting SM Cagayan De Oro. I don’t know if it’s still open now, I haven’t visited CDO for a long-time. Hopefully I’ll be back there later this year to enjoy the other adventures and tourist attractions.
I was like “wow”. I thank God I came across your page. I did not know that CDO has also offered horse back riding. I was actually looking for a place where I could try to ride a horse. And I am desperate about it. I was thinking to go to Iligan or Pagadian because I heard they have. To think that I’ve been here in CDO for almost one month already. Really, really thanks for the information.
Bai, first time mo?
Cool bai…. I haven’t tried it yet. I’m gonna try it soon.